Flower Scar Fell Race, 18 Feb 2017
Race Report by Paul Alexander
Saturday saw the running of the Flower Scar Fell Race organised by Todmorden Harriers. A challenging and varied route setting off from Centre Vale Park covers 8.3 miles including over 2,100ft of climbing. The Harriers fielded 11 of the 176 participants.
Though calm and mild conditions greeted runners on the start line, low cloud shrouded Flower Scar hill and Todmorden Moor, which proved tricky for some on the navigational sections of the course. English fell running champion Simon Bailey convincingly led the field by the time it reached the moor, however once in the clag local knowledge proved key for Todmorden’s own Andy Worster. A near perfect line across the moorland sections saw Andy establish a comfortable lead from then second placed Matt Elkington (Dark Peak) which he maintained throughout the second half of the race to cross the finish line first in a time of 1:07:11. This win continues his superb run of form and results of late. Jon Wright (9th overall, first M45) and Paul Hobbs (15th overall) joined Andy to secure the men’s team prize for the home club.
The women’s race proved much tighter with only a minute between the first 4. Annabel Mason (Leeds Uni & Fell Club) took 1st place in 1.28.41 with Todmorden’s Rebecca Patrick having a sensational run for 2nd place overall (first F45) in a time of 1:29:31. Annie Roberts (10th overall, 2nd FU23) and Sue Roberts (170th) completed the women’s team.
2017 also saw the first running of junior fell races over tricky park and woodland courses. Over 50 juniors took part across 5 different age categories, including 7 Todmorden Harriers juniors.
Results:
1: Andrew Worster (1:07:11), 9: Jon Wright (1:11:52), 15: Paul Hobbs (1:14:27), 44: Duncan Cannon (1:23:14), 64: Rebecca Patrick (1:29:31), 92: Annie Roberts (1:35:27), 97: Simon Galloway (1:36:27), 105: Dan Taylor (1:38:08), 114: Tom Barker (1:40:35), 149: John Jones (1:50:15), 170: Sue Roberts (2:01:42)